Splint for surgery of lacrimal passages

ABSTRACT

Splint for surgery of the lacrimal passages, characterized in that it is constituted of a small plate ( 1 ) made of a flexible material forming two arms ( 2  and  3 ) arranged along an open angle, one ( 2 ) of the arms comprising, along its edge located on the convex side, a flange ( 4 ) that projects on one of its surfaces.

[0001] The present invention relates to a splint for surgery of the lacrimal passages.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a splint which can be used more particularly for endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy, an operation which consists of anastomosing the lacrimal sac in the nasal cavities, following an obstruction of the lacrimal passages.

[0003] After performing such an operation, tents are inserted into the nasal cavity for hemostasis. These tents are uncomfortable for the patient, and often constitute a source of infection.

[0004] One of the objects of the present invention is to obtain a splint that is easy to manufacture, easy to use for the surgeon, and which ensures proper healing under improved conditions of comfort for the patient: nasal breathing preserved, absence of postoperative infections and foul smells.

[0005] The splint according to the invention is characterized in that it is constituted of a small plate made of a flexible material forming two arms arranged along an open angle, one of the arms having, along its edge located on the convex side, a flange that projects on one of its surfaces.

[0006] Of course, a splint corresponding to the left side and one corresponding to the right side are provided.

[0007] After the operation, the splint is engaged into the nasal cavity such that the flange is opposite the lacrimal sac, said flange being open at its ends; it enables the patient to breathe freely, which is more comfortable than the commonly used tents, which tents often constitute a source of postoperative infections and foul smells.

[0008] Preferably, the flange is slightly elastic.

[0009] According to a constructional detail, the flange has the shape of a cylindrical ungula.

[0010] Finally, according to a last characteristic, the edge of the flange, opposite that affixed to the edge of the corresponding arm is free, a small space being provided between said free edge and the corresponding surface of said arm.

[0011] The invention is now going to be described in more detail, with reference to a particular embodiment, provided by way of example only and shown in the annexed drawings, in which:

[0012]FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views of a splint according to the invention, one being adapted to the left nasal cavity and the other to the right nasal cavity.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

[0014] The splint shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is constituted of a small plate 1 made of a flexible material having two arms 2 and 3 forming an open angle therebetween, and whose ends are slightly rounded.

[0015] The arm 2, along its edge 2 a and on the convex side of the small plate, is affixed to a slightly elastic flange 4, the latter having the general shape of a cylindrical ungula whose both planes demarcating said ungula are located in the same plane.

[0016] The edge 4 a of the flange 4 opposite that affixed to the edge 2 a is free and is in normal position, located a few millimeters from the surface of the arm 2.

[0017] The splint of FIG. 1 is adapted t o be used on the left side. FIG. 2 shows a splint adapted to the right side, the latter being obtained in the same manner as that which is described in FIG. 1.

[0018] After an operation adapted to treat an obstruction of the lacrimal passages, as a result of dacryocystitis, for example, the splint according to the invention is inserted into the nasal cavity, such that the flange 4 is opposite the lacrimal sac. The latter, due to its elasticity, makes it possible to hold the walls of the nasal cavity apart, thereby allowing the free passage of tears. In addition, the patient can breathe freely, which is more comfortable.

[0019] To prevent the splint, which can be kept for several days, from moving, it can be fixed by one or more threads running through the small plate and the nasal septum.

[0020] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment that has just been described and shown. Numerous detailed modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. 

1. Splint for surgery of the lacrimal passages, characterized in that it is constituted of a small plate (1) made of a flexible material forming two arms (2 and 3) arranged along an open angle, one (2) of the arms comprising, along its edge located on the convex side, a flange (4) that projects on one of its surfaces.
 2. Splint for surgery of the lacrimal passages according to claim 1, characterized in that the flange (4) is elastic.
 3. Splint for surgery of the lacrimal passages according to claim 1, characterized in that the flange (4) has the shape of an ungula of a cylinder.
 4. Splint for surgery of the lacrimal passages according to claim 1, characterized in that the edge of the flange (4), opposite that affixed to the edge of the corresponding arm (2), is free, a small space being provided between said free edge and the corresponding surface of said arm. 